EN 374 vs EN 397: Choosing the Right PPE Standard

What distinguishes these two European standards

EN 374 and EN 397 operate in completely different parts of the personal protective equipment market. One addresses hand protection. The other addresses foot protection. Confusing them is a common mistake among new buyers and facility managers who are still mapping their risk assessments to specific product types.

EN 374 is the European standard for protective gloves and protective clothing. It focuses on resistance to chemical agents. The standard defines how long a material must resist penetration from a specific chemical before the wearer is considered at risk. It also covers mechanical and physical risks.

EN 397 is the standard for safety footwear. It defines the minimum requirements for shoes, boots, and other foot protection used in professional and industrial settings. The focus here is on impact resistance, compression resistance, and protection against hazards on the floor.

The fundamental difference is the body part being protected. Hands face different threats than feet. Hands are exposed to liquids, gases, and powders that can soak through fabric. Feet are exposed to falling objects, heavy machinery, and sharp debris. A standard for gloves will not tell you if a boot can withstand a steel hammer. A standard for boots will not tell you if a glove can stop a corrosive acid.

Chemical resistance requirements under EN 374

When you select gloves for chemical handling, EN 374 is the relevant framework. The standard tests materials against specific chemical agents. The test measures the breakthrough time. This is the moment when the chemical first passes through the material to the inner surface.

The standard also looks at permeation. This is when chemicals pass through the material at a molecular level without causing a visible hole. Permeation is often the more dangerous path because it is invisible. The wearer might not feel the chemical until it has already entered the skin.

Buyers must look at the certification label on the glove box. The label lists the specific chemicals tested. It shows the breakthrough time and the permeation rate. A glove might have a high resistance to water but poor resistance to solvents. Or it might stop acids for an hour but allow alcohol to pass through quickly.

The standard also addresses mechanical properties. A glove that is chemically resistant but tears easily under friction is not a safe choice for many tasks. You need to balance chemical protection with dexterity and durability. The more you handle sharp tools, the more you need to consider the mechanical ratings alongside the chemical ones.

Foot protection requirements under EN 397

EN 397 governs safety footwear. The standard sets limits for how much force a toe cap can withstand. It also tests the sole for compression resistance. The goal is to prevent injuries from falling objects and heavy equipment rolling over the foot.

The standard also covers protection against punctures. The insole material must stop sharp objects from piercing the foot from below. This is critical in construction, agriculture, and waste handling. A nail, a screw, or a piece of rebar can cause serious injury if the sole fails.

Hygiene is another factor. The standard requires that the materials used in the boot do not support the growth of bacteria or fungi. This is relevant for healthcare, food processing, and cleaning roles. The boot must be easy to clean and maintain.

The standard also addresses electrical protection. If the boot is rated for electrical hazards, it must insulate the wearer from current up to a specific voltage. This is a common requirement in electrical work and near live equipment.

Comparison of EN 374 vs EN 397

Option	Best for	Limitations
EN 374 gloves	Chemical handling, lab work, cleaning	Does not protect feet from impact or compression
EN 397 boots	Construction, manufacturing, agriculture	Does not protect hands from chemical penetration
Combined EN 374/EN 397 PPE	General industrial sites	Higher cost, potential for bulk and heat buildup
Task specific EN 374 gloves	Short term chemical exposure	May not be durable for long term mechanical use
Task specific EN 397 boots	Long shift foot protection	Does not address hand exposure to liquids

How to read the certification labels

The certification label is the most important document when verifying compliance. For EN 374 gloves, look for a label that lists the chemical agents tested. It will show symbols or numbers indicating the breakthrough time. A longer breakthrough time means the material holds up better against that specific chemical.

For EN 397 boots, look for the safety symbol on the tongue or side of the boot. The label must indicate the type of protection provided. You will see codes for impact resistance and compression resistance. You will also see codes for puncture protection and electrical insulation if applicable.

The label must include the manufacturer name, the standard reference, and the batch number. It should also show the CE marking. The CE marking indicates conformity with European Union health and safety directives. It is a legal requirement for selling PPE in the EU market.

Do not rely on marketing claims. “Chemical resistant” is a vague term. Ask for the specific chemical resistance data. “Safety boot” is also vague. Ask for the impact and compression ratings. The label is the source of truth.

Common mistakes in selecting PPE standards

One common mistake is assuming that any glove with a chemical rating is safe for all chemicals. This is false. A glove rated for one solvent may fail against another. Always check the specific chemical list on the label.

Another mistake is buying the most expensive boot. Price does not always correlate with the right level of protection. A boot might have a high impact rating but poor breathability. This can lead to sweating, blisters, and foot fatigue. The worker may remove the boot or ignore the discomfort, defeating the purpose of the PPE.

A third mistake is ignoring the size and fit. A glove that is too large will catch on machinery. A boot that is too tight will cause circulation issues. Fit is part of the standard compliance process. The PPE must be usable to be effective.

Finally, many buyers forget to check the re-test schedule. Gloves degrade over time. Chemicals can weaken the material even if the breakthrough time was high initially. Inspect gloves regularly. Replace them when you see discoloration, stiffening, or thinning.

Final selection advice

Start with the hazard assessment. Identify the specific chemicals the worker will touch. Identify the specific foot hazards the worker will face. Then select the PPE that matches those risks.

If the task involves handling acids or solvents, select gloves compliant with EN 374. Check the chemical list. If the task involves walking on debris or handling heavy tools, select boots compliant with EN 397. Check the impact and puncture ratings.

Do not mix up the standards. They address different body parts and different failure modes. EN 374 protects hands from chemicals. EN 397 protects feet from mechanical forces. Use the correct standard for the correct task.